Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced she and her staff will embark on a series of listening sessions across the state, culminating in a spring summit aimed at exploring the issues that are impacting the mental health of New York’s young people. The listening tour will provide an opportunity for experts […]
Policy
SEIU Floods Albany, Calling for $2.5B in Health Care Spending in Final Budget
On Tuesday, March 21, members of the SEIU 1199 health care workers union, as well as supporters and legislators, marched around the Capitol and down to the MVP arena in downtown Albany. Those in attendance were there not only to celebrate recent union victories, but also to call on the […]
Hochul Calls for Bail Changes and Gun Violence Programs in Final Budget, Citing New Crime Data
On March 22, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled new crime statistics at a press conference in Albany to highlight her public safety proposals for the FY 2024 budget. The centerpiece of Hochul’s plan to make New York safer is a proposed $337 million in programs designed to prevent and reduce gun […]
Lawmakers Want to Decriminalize Adult Consensual Sex Work
A sea of red accessories, lipstick, umbrellas and clothing embellished the crowd of around 60 people chanting at the Million Dollar Staircase in the Capitol on March 1. Sporting a red umbrella symbolizes the solidarity of the sex workers’ rights movement, the practice was established in Venice, Italy in 2001 […]
Chancellor King Makes Surprise Appearance at SUNY Student Assembly Lobby Day
Newly-appointed Chancellor of the State University of New York John King supported the SUNY Student Assembly on Feb.14 during the group’s annual Advocacy Day in Albany, giving an impromptu speech and pledging support for more resources. “SUNY is the most affordable high quality public higher education option in this country,” […]
Bill Would Dedicate Funding for MTA Improvements, Service Expansion
Legislators and transit riders alike unveiled a series of legislation in both the state Assembly and Senate that would cap the subway fare at $2.75, make the MTA free and improve subway headways. The package of eight bills will be deliberated and sponsors are hopeful it will pass in the […]
Siena Poll: Voters List Crime as Top Priority for Hochul, Legislature This Session
Governor Kathy Hochul’s favorability and job approval ratings both ticked down this month, according to a new Siena poll released Monday. Hochul has a 46-43 percent favorability rating, down from 48-42 percent last month, and her job approval rating stands at 56-40 percent, compared to 56-36 percent last month. Of […]
NYSUT, UFT Poll Shows Meager Support for New Charter Schools
Following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget proposal that could create new charter schools in New York City, a poll commissioned by the state’s largest teachers unions indicates there is little public support for the idea. The poll conducted by Hart Research Associates for the New York State United Teachers and the […]